Member Reviews

Thanks to Netgalley I had a chance of reading volume 1 of Castle Swimmer last year. And I fell in love with everything in it 🤗🤩.
Castle Swimmer Volume 2 was as beautiful and stunning as the first one. It is funny, swoon worthy (they had there first kiss YAY!! 😘). Kappa and Siren have my whole heart. The art and drawings are really brilliantly crafted. The rich ocean world-building and it's creature are a captivating sight for sure 🫶🫶.
Cute and heartwarming.
Can't wait to devour more of this magical delightful adventures of Two Mermen 💖✨.
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🧜🏻‍♂️🧜‍♂️
THANK YOU NETGALLEY AND CLARKSON POTTER / TEN SPEED PRESS FOR THE ARC OF THE BOOK.

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Thank you to the author Wendy Martin, the publisher Ten Speed Press and Netgalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved and adored this volume even more than the first one, which I read years ago on Webtoon. It hooked me from the start, and then I just couldn't stop reading it. This book was a rollercoaster, truly. Besides, I love Kappa and Siren a lot, so it's always lovely to read about them.

It is heartwarming and inspiring to read about the blooming of their slow burn romance and how they face everything with bravery and hope for a better future in which no one needs to be sacrificed in order to fulfill a prophecy.

"Despite everything that happened, the time I spent with you is the happiest I've ever been." I just needed to write this quote down in the review. It's one of my favorite quotes of the book.

It is beautifully illustrated with bright and lovely illustrations. I'm such a big fan of the way the author visually depicts this story and its characters, too.

Truths and unveiled secrets long hidden, a prophecy hanging from the prince and the beacon's necks, a love blooming between them. It's way the best volume of Castle Swimmer to date. Hope we get the compiled Volume 3 soon!

I'll be posting my review on my blog on pub date!

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This was so adorable! I loved volume 1 so I was thrilled to see volume 2 available. The characters are sweet and the story is so great.

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Continuing the story right from where the first volume left off (on a bit of a cliffhanger!), volume two of this beautifully illustrated series follows Prince Siren's attempts to help the Beacon escape, despite knowing that the prophecy of his castle calls for Kappa to be sacrificed. However, the true meaning of the prophecy will soon be revealed...changing Siren's life forever.

I swam through the pages of this book as quickly as Siren swims to Kappa's defense, again and again, as he tries to save his friend. The truth behind the sharks' prophecy is a difficult one for Siren to accept, but I look forward to seeing him seek out an alternative as the story continues to unfold in future volumes (as well as to Kappa's own quest to live for himself rather than as the Beacon dragged from prophecy to prophecy). I highly recommend this book (and the previous volume) to readers who love fantasy stories with lovable characters, plenty of humor, and gorgeous artwork, and I'll be waiting (im)patiently for the next volume to release.

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Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. Still cute and wholesome but a bit angstier than the first volume, though that isn't a bad thing. The conversion from webtoon episodes to book format feels fairly smooth, although I wish there were more distinctive separations between each chapter, but that's a personal preference.

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I enjoy this story so much as a webcomic, and it was an absolute treat to read through it in book form! The growing relationships between the characters are shown beautifully here, alongside the series' intrinsic humor in both writing and artwork, all which give Castle Swimmer its wholesome, sweet, and fun vibe. I love Queen Nee so much!

Recommended for fans and new readers alike - especially for those who enjoy beautifully-drawn comics and budding romance.

Thank you to Ten Speed Press and NetGalley for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Public posts of my review will go up closer to the book’s pub date.

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One of the cutest and loveliest stories i've ever read. The characters are easily loveable and the story (even if we don't look directly at the lovestory) is perfect. Enough action, enough drama, enough lovey dovey.

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WENDY THE AUTHOR PICTURE SLAYED ME. We come back for part 2 of the OG saga where our boys get closer, we learn more about the shark prophecy and get to see the boys being cute and gay. I forgot how cute they were before they got together. Before the witches. Just two boys being cute and being held hostage by the others mom.

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Kappa and Siren remain the heart of the story, their connection growing stronger with each challenge they face. The depth of their selflessness and devotion to each other makes their relationship truly special.

The ending leaves readers in a compelling place, building anticipation for what’s to come. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Volume Two and can’t emphasize enough how much I love the artwork! I’m excited to continue following the series and see more of my two favorite ocean boys.

Thank you, NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press, for the digital ARC.

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Volume Two of castle swimmer takes alot of turns, some are very touching and emotional, others somewhat dark.

Kappa and Siren are still my top two ocean boys. Their relationship is growing and glowing and the selflessness between the two of them is wonderful.

We get more of our queens that are on the hunt for the beacon to bring their prophecies to light, their addition to this volume was unexpectedly the best thing to happen to siren. As he is confused, feeling down, misunderstood and not valued for who he is a s a shark. One of our queens gives him the heart to heart and bonding moment he really needs. This is also a moment that transforms the initial plans of the queens from the other kingdoms.

We are left in a good spot, but I cant help but ache for more. I have questions I want answered and I want to see Kappa grow as a merman and be loved for who he is not just the beacon. Will siren become the next king or will he forge his own path?

When we meet again,
Let’s change are fate together


Thank you NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press for the digital ARC
#CastleSwimmerVolume2 #NetGalley #WebToon #CastleSwimmer

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If you liked the first one, you'll like this one! If you're looking at this one, go check out the first one. :) Recommended for fans of under the sea stories, cute romance, rebelling against what's foretold, and forging your own path. It's a fun story and the illustrations are a treat!

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I found this one less interesting than the first ...
I was quite disappointed by the way the storyline moved . I might continue on with the series because it is still cute and everything

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Another great installment from Wendy Martin! The story picks up where volume 1 left off and there is much more action in this volume. Kappa and Siren are the absolute sweetest boys! It's been fun to watch their relationship grow and develop as their friendship is put to the test with Siren's mother (who we all hate, agreed? Okay, maybe not hate but we're very disappointed in her). You can start to see the world expand more and I'm excited to see where they go from here! The pacing is still slow, but I'm along for the ride!

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I really enjoyed this graphic novel series a lot the books are such quick reads. However, I didn’t like the second volume as much as the first. I felt like the conflict was dragged out for too long. I want Kappa and Siren’s relationship to be explored more in the next volume. Overall, I think this is a cute story about two mermen with beautiful artwork. Looking forward to the next volume!

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I love these gay fish boys. The twists in this one were so good, and it did a great job of balancing action, humor, and romance. I can't wait to follow this story wherever it goes now that we know what we've learned in this installment. The art is still so colorful and beautiful.

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Castle Swimmer is an adorable series about two queer mermen. This volume picks up where Volume 1 left off. I loved Volume 1 and the blossoming relationship between Kappa and Siren. Here, we find out more about the prophecy and follow Siren as he tries to help Kappa escape. This volume is more action-packed, so it's a quick and propelling read.

My only minor criticism is that this takes place almost completely in the castle, and I would've liked to have different scenery / adventure / side characters doing something else. Perhaps that'll be in the next volume.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy for review.

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I enjoyed this second volume better than the first and am excited to read more of this story. There were times where it got a bit repetitive or awkwardly written, but over all it was an enjoyable story.

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First of all, I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read it. They are a pleasure to work with.

"Castle Swimmer" is an easy and entertaining read that not only has a different plot from other merfolk stories, but also tells a new concept of both interesting fantastic creatures, which in turn, convey a purpose related to the current situation of the animals they are inspired by, thus combining reading enjoyment and vitally important knowledge.

I am very excited to see the third volume and find out more about the development of the characters. Well done, Wendy Martin.

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This was a lovely follow up to the first book. I enjoy the artistic style and the story grew on me even more. I appreciate the gentle humor and the growth occurring in the main characters. Its messages of understanding and inclusion and growing beyond differences really resonate. It is deftly told and beautifully illustrated.

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"Castle Swimmer" is an absolute delight! The art is stunning, the characters are lovable, and the storyline is both heartwarming and cute. Every moment had me completely invested, and I can’t wait to see what else this artist/author creates in the future!

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